There is a definite charm to traveling via trains, especially if you happen to travel via some scenic train routes in India. Imagine yourself sitting by the window seat on a scenic train ride and basking in the beauty of nature on the go! All across the country, there are different train routes crossing mountains, waterfalls, water bodies, beautiful bridges, the longest tunnels, and forests. If you are traveling in the northern part of India, you can experience the majesty of mountains and if you travel down south, you will experience beautiful beaches and forest landscapes. Also, in India, you can still experience the joy of traveling in a toy train amidst beautiful landscapes. We have prepared a list of 8 scenic train routes which you must experience. Check out the list and see how many routes have you covered!
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The joy ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. On this train you traverse through the Himalayan Mountain ranges, basking in the beauty of a picturesque backdrop. This joy ride train runs on a steam engine and pulls small coaches through the steep Himalayan mountain ranges. This train runs at the speed of a snail, but it is an experience of a lifetime.
Himalayan Queen
This train ride is also known as the “toy train ride” of Shimla. A unique thing about this train ride is that you ride over the steepest altitude possible (this ride has been mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Records for its steepest ride!). It is said that the Kalka- Shimla tracks are an architectural marvel and the view from this toy train is breathtaking. On the way, you will cross 18 stations, 988 bridges, 102 tunnels, small towns, and deep valleys!
Kashmir Valley Railway
Kashmir is regarded as the paradise on earth but the best way to experience this paradise is not via a taxi or a bus, but via the Kashmir Valley railway. Kashmir Valley railway is the best way of experiencing raw Kashmir and the place’s beauty in its truest form. The train runs from Jammu to Baramulla; you will cross Banihal, Pir-Panjal Range (after going through the 11.2 km long tunnel) and reach Qazigund. This is the point from where you will start seeing the vast meadows of Kashmir and the natural beauty of Kashmir. This journey is definitely worth your time; include this experience during your holiday in Kashmir, whenever you take one!
Konkan Railway
This is the railway line that travels through Maharashtra, Goa & Karnataka. Even if you are taking a short ride from Mumbai to Goa, you will be able to experience the majestic beauty of this railway line. You will cross over Sahyadri Mountains, the Arabian Sea, and a lot of waterfalls (the best time to take this journey would be in the monsoon season). On this route, you will cross the highest bridge in India (the Panvalnadi Bridge), 92 tunnels, and a lot of greenery. If you are crossing Goa, then you can again see the majestic beauty of Kerala (try to grab the window seat in the train, if you want to experience the beauty of nature at its best!).
Goa Express
This is a very short journey train (only 4-hour ride) but along this train’s route, you will get to see Dudhsagar Falls. This train actually crosses the bridge through the large waterfall (which usually happens during the evening time). This scene & experience is one of a kind. Apart from this, this train will take you through the charming beauty of the Western Ghats. The train ride starts from Vasco de Gama and reaches Londa in Karnataka, and There are various online train ticket booking portals like irctc, Makemytrip, Goibibo, redRail etc. where you can make your booking easily with discounted rates by applying promo codes to make your journey budget friendly.
Nilgiri Mountains Railway
This track journey will be the slowest and yet the most beautiful train journey of your time. This is a toy train that travels only 46 km in as much as 5 hours. Also, this train climbs a steep elevation along the way (from 325m to 2240m). This is the route in which the ever-famous Bollywood song “Chaiya Chaiya” was shot; you will travel from Mettupalayam to Ooty.
Kollam-Sengottai Chord Line
This route is scenic for many reasons; the very first and the most iconic one being, the 13-arc bridge (aka Pathimoonnu Bridge). The train on this route travels through this beautiful 108-year-old bridge. This bridge got the name 13 arc because it travels through the 13 arches. While crossing this bridge you will not be able to help but be awed by the architectural marvel of this bridge. Apart from this, you will travel through the forests of Kerala (which are still untouched by the influence of modernization!) and see cardamom hills and moss-blanketed bridges. This is the best train route to Tamil Nadu from Kerala. This train ride will be a perfect end if you went for your honeymoon in Kerala!
Sethu Express
The main attraction of this train ride is the Pamban Railway Bridge, which is made on the water and is the second largest bridge constructed on water. Crossing this bridge on the train is a beautiful experience in itself. If you are traveling to Rameshwaram from Chennai, then this is the best way to do it.
